What to do when you’ve underbid a project

One of the issues that comes up over and over in conversations with clients is how to handle scope creep — when a project becomes bigger or more complicated than anticipated. In a recent Quick Tip, I quoted Kit Hinrichs, of Studio Hinrichs, who suggested some language for resolving the problem together. But sometimes what happens is you underbid and then decide to absorb the additional time and money cost rather than go back with your hand out. Then the question is, should you tell your client or keep it to yourself?